This week, it’s microplastics. Last week, it was forever chemicals in dental floss. The week before that, gas stoves, dry shampoo, talc, deodorant, chewing gum — take your pick. It’s hard to keep track. And if I, someone with a Ph.D. in cancer research, feel overwhelmed, I can only imagine how the average parent feels.

Let me be clear: cancer is devastatingly real. It has touched nearly every family in this country—including mine. As a teenager, I suddenly lost both of my grandmothers to aggressive forms of cancer in the same year. It changed the course of my life.

But the way we talk about health risks today feels more like a fear machine than a guide. And in the noise, we’re missing some of the most promising science that could change how we approach long-term health from the very beginning of life. The current culture of constant panic — delivered in push alerts and all-caps headlines — risks doing real harm. Fear without context isn’t education. It’s anxiety.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly two million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. About 40% of people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. And yes, environmental factors play a role. But not everything is an equal threat — and not every new study warrants a siren.

As I see it, our most urgent problem is not that we don’t have prevention options. It’s that we’re not translating them into meaningful public guidance. We need better communication about risk — what’s real, what’s theoretical, and most importantly, what’s actionable.

Instead, we’ve created an environment where people are inundated with headlines but offered no real path forward. That kind of saturation breeds skepticism, not engagement.

Meanwhile, many of the most promising developments in cancer prevention are being drowned out. For example: scientific health news around the role of the gut microbiome, and its role in shaping the immune system and setting the stage for lifelong health.

At Persephone Biosciences, where I’m a co-founder, we’re leading the largest-ever complete study of infant gut health in the U.S. One of our recent findings: 76 percent of American infants have low levels of Bifidobacterium, beneficial bacteria that was once foundational to the infant microbiome. These infants were, consequently, found to be at higher risk for developing atopic conditions including food allergies, eczema, and asthma. Bifidobacterium helps train the immune system and may play a key role in protecting against chronic disease later in life — including, yes, cancer. (PS: a simple solution to re-introducing Bifidobacterium back into infants’ biomes is in the works and is promising.)

That’s a big deal. But you won’t see it trending on Twitter or topping Google News, because “Low Infant Gut Bacteria Levels May Predict Disease Risk” doesn’t get clicks the way “Your Tap Water May Cause Cancer” does.

It’s not that the science is lacking — it’s that the signal is lost in the noise.

We need a reset. All of us — leaders, scientists, journalists, consumers — must prioritize proportionality and clarity over panic. We all need to leave more room for nuance; emerging science is seldom black and white, and consumers and parents deserve the space to understand its complexity without fear-driven oversimplification.

There’s real, solution-driven science happening. Let’s amplify that, not another breathless list of everyday products to fear.

As moms, we have power. We decide who we follow and what we click on. Every time we pause before sharing a panic-inducing headline or choose to seek out information from trusted scientific sources, we too help shift the culture. And when we share these findings with our pediatricians and with other families, we help redefine the standard of care.

And in the case of supporting the infant microbiome, that can mean incorporating supplementation of critical gut microbes like Bifidobacterium into a child’s feeding routine and focusing on diet by making sure kids are exposed to a wide variety of fruits, vegetables for fiber, and fermented foods for natural probiotics. Small, thoughtful choices like these can help set our children on a healthier path and move the conversation from fear to action.

Cancer is scary. But fear isn’t a strategy. Facts are. There’s solution-driven science happening, like the work being done in early-life immune health. That’s where our attention should be.

Before you go, shop our favorite skincare brands for teens:

But can an open relationship really work? Or will it lead straight to heartache? We asked six couples successfully navigating the open-relationship waters to share why it does work for them… and how. Here’s what they had to say.

“You Have to Be On the Same Page”

“The key to a successful open relationship is a truly rock-solid partnership. You have to be on the same page as your partner about all aspects of an open relationship, and you have to know you can completely trust your partner. You need to lay down clear guidelines and check in with each other frequently to talk about any issues that may arise. You may try it and find out it’s not for you, and if that’s the case, you need to speak up about it. Don’t let feelings of jealousy or resentment sit for too long. Talk about how you feel right away and don’t let those feelings build up — that’s a recipe for disaster.” — Mark and Adrienne

“Never Keep Secrets”

“First, you have to make sure you’re entering an open relationship for the right reasons. This should be something that makes your relationship with your partner stronger and more enjoyable, not something that puts distance between you and your partner. If you’re entering an open relationship to try to fix your relationship, that will never work. [We’d] say the key is to make sure you have really clear rules before you start. Make a list of your limits and write them down. Talk about whether or not you are going to tell your friends, what you’re comfortable with your partner doing and what you aren’t comfortable with. The rules may change as you go, but you both have to agree on your limits. Never keep secrets. Honesty is crucial.” — Joaquin and Alyssa

“Ignore the Haters”

“Probably the most important thing we have learned about having a healthy open relationship is to not care what other people think or say. At some point, you’re going to have to have that conversation with friends and relatives — otherwise, you’ll get countless phone calls and texts every single time one of you is spotted with someone else. Although people mean well, this becomes a huge headache. It makes it more awkward to explain if they feel like you’ve sprung it on them, and that’s typically when people respond in a negative way. We’ve lost count of how many people have told us what we are doing is wrong, crazy, immoral, or just plain stupid. Ignore the haters. What we have works for us, and that’s what matters.” — Tim and DaNae

“Be OK With Being Jealous”

“Well, first of all, it probably wouldn’t have worked for us if we weren’t already in a good place before we committed to it. Ironically, we had a lot of trust issues when we were monogamous — it wasn’t until we decided to try an open relationship that we learned how to work through those and really trust each other. That had to happen before we jumped into this lifestyle. In that way, it has made us stronger as a couple. Our second big secret to success is that we accept that you need to be OK with being jealous, as weird as that sounds. But anytime one or both of us is feeling jealous, our rule is we have to talk about it with the other person. We feel like jealousy is a fact of life no matter what kind of relationship you are in, and ignoring it will just lead to resentment.” — Ashley and Kevin

“Set Parameters That All Parties Are Comfortable With”

“I think there is this misconception that all people in open relationships are completely free-spirited and go-with-the-flow types. While that is probably true for some people, others — like us — respond well to structure and rules. For us, an open relationship works because we set parameters that all parties are comfortable with. When we first started dating (and knew we both wanted an open relationship), we made it very clear what was acceptable and what was not, who was off-limits, etc. We even wrote it down so there wasn’t any ambiguity. Feeling like we are on the same page at all times makes us feel even closer to each other. And being in an open relationship is exciting and fun and sexy. But most of all, it makes us appreciate that at the end of the day, we always choose us.” — Megan and Mark

“Have Check-ins On a Regular Basis”

“[We] had both been in open relationships where one person had pushed the other into trying it, and those relationships were full of drama. So it was very important to us to establish up front that we both really wanted this. Once that was made clear, we came up with a few rules that we still rely on three years in. No. 1, the other person — the third party — has to be told from the start about the existing relationship. We made this rule because it sends a clear signal to that person that we are not emotionally available for anything other than casual dating. If they are cool with it and agree to keep it casual, then there shouldn’t be any problems. No. 2, no secret side dates! Every single meetup with someone else has to be shared beforehand. We don’t talk to each other in depth about anyone else we are seeing, but we agree that it’s important not to feel like we are hiding anything from each other or sneaking away to see anyone else. No. 3, we have check-ins on a regular basis to make sure we’re both still on board with this lifestyle. In general, communication is key… not unlike any other relationship.” — Carrie and Sam

This article was originally published in 2018.

“Sex is a form of yoga,” says Patricia Taylor, Ph.D., author of Expanded Orgasm tells SheKnows. “In yoga, you want to integrate the mind, the heart, the body and the spirit, and you want to connect them all… It’s almost more of a question of how you approach it versus what the position is. With that focus, you can be relaxed, you can breathe, you can have eye contact with your partner, and you can have an emotional connection.”

According to Jenna Switzer, a sex coach and yoga instructor, “Yoga and sex are a match made in heaven. The stretches feel incredible and can help you create some seriously sexy shapes in bed. It’s the perfect way to bring more fun, flexibility, and mindfulness into your intimate life.”

Plus, she adds, “stress and tension are the enemies of good sex. By using yoga to release both, you’re literally training your body to relax. This not only makes you feel more present and connected, but can also significantly amplify your capacity for pleasure.”

Being mindful of that, take what you’ve learned on the mat and apply it to the mattress.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose

How you do it: Lie on your back, and surround yourself with pillows, then open your legs in a butterfly position, knees resting on the pillows. Widen your feet so he can assume missionary position.

Why it’s awesome:  “Before [your partner] even touches you, you can just lie there and do your breathing and connect up with yourself,” Taylor says. “You’re very relaxed, you’re breathing, there’s a lot of eye contact. [They’re] able to reach your G spot, and this can be a very long-lasting, pleasurable position that can go on for quite a while.”

Happy Baby Pose

How you do it: Have the partner being penetrated lie back, legs above their head, bending them at the knees, essentially throwing your legs over your head (or close to it), knees close to your ears. Have him enter you missionary-style. Encourage him to rock back and forth rather than jackhammer you.

Why it’s awesome: This is a deeper, more vigorous experience if that’s the sex you’re craving, and it puts your penetrating partner in control. Taylor says this position gives the penetrating partner “deep access to your G spot and clitoris, and I think the rocking motion is really nice.”

Cow Pose

How you do it: Get on all fours and arch your back. Have your partner enter you from behind and vary the speed of their thrusting.

Why it’s awesome: “You’re really going into deep animal space,” Taylor says. “By playing with your clitoris — not the whole time, but I would say by bringing that in — you become multi-orgasmic.” And it gives both partners room to control the sensations they’re experiencing and make note of what feels good to each of you: “It won’t just be like pounding, but it gives you both the opportunity to savor this movement of the symphony: slow sections and the fast, the soft and the sweet and the intense.”

Tree Pose

How you do it: Stand against a wall or in the shower (don’t slip!). Then raise one foot, bending your knee and rotating your hip outward, then placing your foot on the opposite inner thigh. Raise your hands straight above your head, about shoulder width apart. (Grasp the wall or a bookshelf if you need to.) Have him kneel at your feet and go down on you.

Why it’s awesome: “Allowing your partner to please you while you stand balancing is a great way to stay present and out of your head,” says Switzer. “When you give your body novel stimulus (in this case, balancing on one leg) while adding in sexy sensations (the view of your partner on their knees as well as the sensation of oral), you create a win-win for pleasure and epic orgasms.”

A Post-Coital Corpse Pose

How you do it: We’re joking around a bit, but after you’ve done the deed, you can use the afterglow time to lie back, close your eyes, and — just like the pose’s name says — play “dead” and really connect your mind with your body. Take the post-coital glow time to let your partner know you appreciate them and receive some of that appreciative goodness back. Bask it the post ‘gasm goodness, y’all have earned it!

Why it’s awesome: “Corpse pose after sex is a great way to allow the nervous system to re-regulate as well as gives you an opportunity to bask in the sensations of the experience,” Switzer explains. “Too often we finish sex and immediately get up to do something else; brush our teeth, hop in the shower, check our phone, or something else. By giving yourself a few moments of stillness, you anchor the memory and savor the lingering sensations of your experience.”

Puppy (or heart melting) pose

How you do it: From table pose (or on your hands and knees), walk your hands forward and melt your chest down. Your hips stay stacked over your knees as your partner enters from behind.

Why it’s awesome: “Essentially it’s doggy style, so this pose allows you to experience deep penetration, gives a very sexy view to the partner behind, and allows for a deep shoulder stretch for the partner in the pose,” Switzer says.

Bridge Pose

How you do it: Lie on your back, bend your knees with feet flat on the mat (hip-width apart), arms by your sides. Press into your heels, lift your hips up. Your partner sets themselves up between thighs to penetrate.

Why it’s awesome: Besides offering a great view to both partners, Switzer says this pose allows for sensations at new angles. “It’s also great for both partners to control and adjust the depth, angle, and speed of penetration,” she shares.

Images illustrated by Amy Berlak

A version of this story was published February 2014. 

Up your solo sex game with the amazing masturbation sex positions: 

Most recently, she’s partnered with GSK for their Sideline RSV campaign, a health education campaign to spread awareness on the risks of RSV: respiratory syncytial virus. While RSV is commonly linked to children, older adults with certain underlying conditions can be at great risk too, and that’s why Bassett is spreading the word.

When you gear up to meet a powerful woman like Bassett, it can be intimidating. But when you actually sit down and chat with her, you’re reminded of how genuine she really is. She brought a sense of wisdom, compassion, and laughter into every question, reminding fans to enjoy the good times, especially during times of uncertainty.

In her chat with SheKnows, Bassett discussed her new partnership, how she talks to her doctor all the time, how her kids, Bronwyn and Slater, 19, are blossoming into creative adults, and more — and taught fans so many things along the way.

SheKnows: Can you tell me a bit about why you partnered with GSK to spread awareness about RSV?

Angela Bassett: Being a person who realizes that as we age, it’s important to be proactive about our health and our healthcare. It can be a lifesaver for many of us. I’ve talked about my loved ones and my late mother, who had battled health issues, heart disease, diabetes, and COPD. I realized that a priority should be preventing the risk tolerance and preventing and that, and just doing that could prolong those moments that we have time to share with one another … When I spoke with GSK, I heard about how RSV affected older people. I learned that each year, approximately 177,000 people, adults age 65 and older, in the U.S. are hospitalized due to RSV, and around 14,000 of those cases result in death. As serious as that is, because it’s a common virus, it’s very highly contagious and potentially serious, the solution can be quite simple. We should speak to our doctor if we have those risks, those underlying conditions, or if you’re 75 and older, or if you’re 50 to 74 and you have those chronic underlying health conditions, then it’s imperative that for our long range health goals, speak to our doctor or pharmacist about our risk, about vaccination, if that’s appropriate for you. And then for more information, just go to Sideline RSV for tips on how to speak to your doctor if that’s needed.

SK: I love that you’re using your platform for this. Do you have any words of wisdom, or is there anything you want to say to older adults who may have apprehensions about going to the doctor?

AB: That’s the perfect place to start: you shouldn’t have fear. There’s experience, there’s wisdom, and there’s the ability to advocate for ourselves. Maybe it can be daunting, but they’re public servants. I have a wonderful relationship with my doctor. I call and text him. This is one case where you can be a nuisance! That’s what they’re there for! Sometimes we need the information — that’s what we need.

SK: What’s the biggest misconception people have about Black women and health that you wish you could rewrite?

AB: I don’t know. We’re all individuals, and I think we should all be taken at face value. I am just one. I’m gonna appreciate you and your journey, who you are, and recognize that you’re going to be quite different, but it’s all a part of this human experience. And that’s beautiful.

SK: I love that. Wow. Now, with navigating health and advocating for yourself, how did you guide your kids in those things?

AB: We spent the beginning, even when they were little kids, encouraging them to speak up. [I’d say] “Tell them how you’re feeling.” It gave them confidence. You’re there, you’re holding their hand, and you’re basically saying it’s okay. How you feel or what you think and how it’s going, matters. So express yourself. Be okay with that. I always let them, where appropriate, speak up, interject, and be a part of the conversation.

SK: Has aging shifted your relationship with how you handle your health and self-care?

AB: I really do try to make the time. It’s hard sometimes, after you finish working twelve, fourteen, sixteen hours, to do some additional things for yourself. But rest absolutely is a priority. When I [was] young, it [was] like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s party!’ And I still like to go — but I do recognize if I have to get up at five, I gotta be down at ten. So I try to insist with myself that we’re gonna try to get seven hours most of the time. Now some days, it’s just not possible. I am a night owl. But to function at my best, I have to prioritize getting rest and eating well.

SK: You’ve been a patron of the arts for youth for so long. How did you nurture your children’s artistic sides growing up?

AB: Oh, they’ll tell you. I will take them to the theater in a New York minute. [laughs] Take them to the theater, take them to the museum. I love that they love seeing art; I surrounded them with art. Gave them piano lessons. … They’re college age now, and I think it’s the end of sophomore year when you have to declare a major. I’m hearing [they] want to do something creative. I think they’re recognizing that about themselves, that they’re creative people, whether it’s music or fashion, architecture — they love creativity. I think they love human nature, because they’re interested in psychology, sociology, how people interact and are.

SK: They’re in college now — how’s that going with them being little adults in the world?

AB: It’s gone well. They are so excited about where they are, what’s happening with their lives. They’re just enjoying it, they’re good people, and the word always comes back when they go out, people call you that they’ve been around them or seen them. So a good word always comes back. When they go out to the world, they know how to be, and they carry themselves with grace, dignity, and with compassion.

SK: I gotta ask, do they have a favorite role of yours?

AB: I’d have to say maybe Queen Ramonda [from Black Panther] because that’s one they’ve seen, but they don’t really check for me for their entertainment choices.

SK: I know you said a few years ago that they didn’t watch What’s Love Got to Do With It, and I was wondering, have they seen it yet?

AB: Well, I don’t know about my son. My daughter had this past Thanksgiving last year. We’re on vacation together, and she was like, ‘Mom, we just watched this and you’re really good.’ I was like, ‘Well, thank you!’

SK: Was there a role you took that felt like a gamble at the time, but ended up being transformative? Or do you consider all of your roles rather transformative?

AB: All of them are very meaningful. I would consider knowing that you get to spend time with like-minded souls, you’re going to work very hard, very long in this project. We’re going to give our focus and our measure of devotion to it. Whether it’s a success in the marketplace or not, we’re gonna have this experience and this time together. So I would always pick something that I thought was would help me to grow as an artist, as an individual. No matter what happened in the end there, in terms of the public, you never know. So I had to be pleased from the beginning. You just always want to be proud of where you put your hand. I wouldn’t always respond because there’s a paycheck at the end of the week, because sometimes that’s not enough.

SK: I know the newest season of 9-1-1 will be premiering in October, and a lot of changes have happened. What should fans get excited for?

AB: Well, some of the characters that you’ve come to know and love are still there, still saving lives, still in relationships with one another, still growing, becoming, learning, loving, and still supporting one another. Some great messages are coming out there. But it’s about first responders, making people aware, keeping people safe. And, I guess I’m doing it in my work. I’m also doing that outside of work here with GSK in this campaign. [I’m] raising awareness because we all wanna be around for the moments to engage with one another.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Her words cut deep, not just because of the judgment, but because they came from someone I deeply loved. Here was a woman who had always been my champion, now making me feel like an outsider in my own family for making a choice — the choice to breastfeed my child — that felt so right to me. As a Black physician and new mother, I thought my medical knowledge would shield me from this kind of criticism. Instead, I found myself isolated and questioning everything.

The Weight of History

The roots of breastfeeding hesitation in Black communities run deep. During slavery, Black women were forced to serve as wet nurses for their enslavers’ children, often at the expense of nourishing their own babies. Later, aggressive formula marketing campaigns specifically targeted Black mothers, touting convenience and modernity. These campaigns featured virtually no representation of Black women breastfeeding, cementing the idea that formula was the norm for our community.

The result? Generations of Black families where breastfeeding became unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and ultimately unacceptable.

When Mental Health Meets Cultural Pressure

While other new mothers might rely on their own mothers or sisters for breastfeeding guidance and encouragement, many of us navigate this vulnerable time without that generational support system. For Black women, who research shows are already at higher risk for postpartum depression and anxiety, this cultural backdrop creates a perfect storm. We’re significantly more likely to struggle with postpartum depression, often caught between healthcare providers who dismiss our concerns and communities where admitting mental health struggles still carries stigma. The very moments when we need support most become the times we’re most isolated.

The Isolation of Going Against the Grain

Despite knowing the benefits of breastfeeding (the antibody transfer, the bonding, the financial savings that mattered during my resident salary), I struggled with overwhelming anxiety every single day.

The mental load was staggering. Where would I pump during my hospital shifts? Would my milk stay cold enough? Did I have enough supplies? These practical concerns layered onto deeper fears: Was I betraying my family’s expectations? Was my aunt right that I was wasting my time?

What made the mental health impact even more severe was the complete isolation. While many of my colleagues shared stories of supportive family members, their breastfeeding journey was different than mine. Although my husband and in-laws were supportive, my mother was appalled, and the topic became off-limits between us. 

This isolation is particularly cruel for Black women, who benefit significantly from community support during the postpartum period. When that very community becomes a source of stress rather than strength, the mental health consequences can be devastating.

Returning to residency at just four weeks postpartum (while wearing a wound vac due to an infected C-section), I was already vulnerable. Adding the stress of pumping, storing milk, and defending my choices while battling postpartum depression pushed me to my breaking point. I developed shoulder and back problems from carrying my pump throughout the hospital. 

I persisted with my youngest daughter for three years, even donating excess milk to help other mothers. But the mental health cost was significant.

Moving Forward

Healthcare professionals need to bring a historical approach to their conversations around breastfeeding with Black women, understanding that she might be carrying a complex history spanning generations of being told formula was superior.  She is navigating cultural wounds, family expectations, and personal healing all at once. 

We need to create a space where a Black mother who chooses to breastfeed isn’t seen as rejecting her culture, and where a mother who formula feeds isn’t made to feel inadequate. Healthcare providers who truly want to serve Black families must approach these discussions with genuine curiosity rather than assumptions. A mother who feels supported in her feeding choice (whether breast or bottle) is better positioned to care for her child than one who feels isolated and judged.

My breastfeeding journey was “successful” by traditional metrics, but it came at a significant mental health cost. The isolation, the constant need to defend my choices while managing postpartum depression — (these experiences shaped my early motherhood in profound ways).

For Black mothers considering their options: whatever choice you make will be yours to own, free from judgment or apology.

If you’re struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, please reach out for help. Resources include Postpartum Support International (1-800-944-4773) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).

Before you go, check out our favorite affordable mental health apps:

In one video, a teen uses a spoon to pop off brackets one by one; another uses pliers. Both of them explain that they’re heading to military boot camp soon, where they’re not allowed to have braces. One explains that no orthodontists were able to see him to take the braces off professionally, adding “I’m pretty sure I’ll regret this decision later.”

He’s probably right. Whether it’s due to tooth pain, discomfort, or job requirements, it won’t surprise you to hear that removing braces at home is not a good idea, no matter how much your teen wants them off.

“It’s incredibly scary and unfortunate,” Dr. Erika Faust, a top orthodontist in New York City and founder of Elite Orthodontics NYC, tells SheKnows of the trend. “Teens have no idea how damaging this can be to their enamel and the integrity of their teeth as a whole.” While popping the brackets off might not seem so difficult (sometimes a poorly-placed bite of food will do it!), it turns out that applying this kind of intense pressure in the wrong way can injure or even fracture your teen’s teeth.

“Watching orthodontists remove [braces] may also make it seem like it’s very easy to do,” notes Dr. Faust, “but orthodontists understand the science behind the forces involved, have studied your teeth and have the manual dexterity to do it properly.”

When it’s an untrained hand removing braces, there are a long-term risks involved. “At best, small fractures of tooth enamel can occur which are not necessarily visible, but can weaken the teeth significantly,” explains Dr. Faust. There will also be small pieces of cement left behind, which can attract stains and bacteria. And, in the worst-case scenario, your teen could fracture their tooth outright, Dr. Faust says — an injury that would require reconstruction by a dentist.

If your teen or young adult needs or wants their braces off before their scheduled time, there is a solution that doesn’t require prying them off in your home bathroom. “Most orthodontists are willing to remove the braces early if the parent gives permission,” Dr. Faust says, although she notes that orthodontists will likely stress that the treatment is not finished or ideal. “Communication between the patient, parent, and orthodontist is key in these scenarios,” she adds. While taking your teen’s braces off early isn’t great, it’s definitely better than them letting them try to do it themselves (after learning from a TikTok video!).

Thanks to TikTok, teens are much more well-versed in curating the perfect skincare routine than we were as adolescents. That also means they’ve probably been asking you to buy them beauty products to replicate that glow of their favorite celebs or online influencers (whom you might not even recognize). If you’re shopping for your middle schooler or high schooler, consider saying yes. An essential life skill is carrying out a good, healthy skincare routine, and it’s it’s never too early to get started!

Best Skincare Brands for Teens at a Glance

Best Overall: Starface
Best New Skincare Brand: Pour Tous
Best Scientifically Backed: Saint Crewe
Best Dermatologist Guided: Evereden
Best Cleansing Balms: Banila Co.
Best Skincare Sets: Erly Sleepover Bundle
Most Popular: E.l.f.
Most Effective: Olay
Best for Targeted Treatments: First Aid Beauty
Best Affordable: The Inkey List
Best Influencer-Approved: Bubble Skincare
Best Dermatologist-Created: BTWN
Best Celebrity-Owned: florence by mills
Best Sustainable: Cocokind
Best for Teen Boys: JB SKRUBB
Best Customized: Glossier
Best for Teen Athletes: Rally
Best Sunscreen Brand: SuperGoop!
Best Korean Skincare: Glow Recipe
Best Splurge: Skin Pharm

It’s true that we only had a handful of healthy skincare options to choose from when we were 13 if you wanted to zap zits (does a certain grapefruit face scrub stir up any memories?). Now, there are more effective and affordable options than ever targeted for the unique needs of teen skin. Bonus: The packaging on these newer teen skincare brands are super IG-worthy, so they make for the perfect medicine cabinet #shelfie. You won’t even mind them cluttering the bathroom counter every morning. They’re that cute, trust us.

As for teen skincare product lines, there’s Bubble, a nontoxic skincare brand for teens, that makes taking care of acne actually fun — so much so, that we wish we had this brand in our younger years. The Inkey List boils things down to simple ingredients without all the fillers, keeping costs down. BTWN is also filling the gap in the young adult skincare world with eco-friendly, socially conscious, and gender-neutral products created by a dermatologist, no less. There’s a laundry list of other teen skincare brands (many available on Amazon and Target), so read on to find the best brands to stock your teenager’s bathroom with (and even your own bathroom — there is no age limit on these products!).

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Understanding the New Landscape

Once your child turns 18, national laws completely change your relationship with their healthcare. You can’t automatically get their medical information or make medical decisions for them. I know this feels strange at first, but it’s actually a good opportunity to help them develop important adulting skills. If they’re comfortable with it, have them sign a HIPAA authorization form so you can still access their medical information during emergencies or major health decisions.

Finding the Right Primary Care Provider

The first step is helping your teen understand that finding a healthcare provider is sort of like dating. You want to find the right match. Schedule a “meet and greet” appointment with a Primary care and OB-GYN clinician, whether they’re an MD, DO, PA, or APRN. This appointment isn’t for handling urgent problems. Think of it as checking if the vibes are right. Does your child feel comfortable asking questions? Does the provider listen and explain things clearly? Is the clinician comfortable discussing health topics your teen has learned about on TikTok or other social media? Just like with dating, if they don’t hit it off, your teen can try with another clinician.

It’s also become extremely normal for young adults who don’t have ongoing health conditions or take regular medications, to choose to skip establishing care with a primary care provider initially. Instead, they’ll identify an urgent care center covered by their insurance and go there when they need care.  As a physician, I believe it’s OK to use urgent care for those unexpected injuries and illnesses. However, it’s good to have a primary care doctor too — as someone who knows your complete medical history, they can become your health advocate when you need it.

Navigating College Health Systems

Not every teen plans to attend college, but for those who do, college health centers offer significant advantages: they’re convenient, affordable, and the providers understand the unique challenges college students face. The downside is that services might be limited during breaks and summer sessions. Help your young adult understand what their college health center offers and what might require outside referrals. Many students use campus health for routine care while maintaining relationships with specialists from home. If your child is attending university, encourage them to start with the campus resources for cost and convenience. However, be aware that they can also access off-campus care options. 

Know Your Health History

This transition reveals a significant gap in how families communicate about health. Your young adult needs to understand their complete medical history, including allergies, current medications, and most importantly, why they take each medication. Even young adults with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes may struggle to manage their health independently, not because they’re irresponsible, but because you’ve been the primary decision-maker and health advocate throughout their adolescence. They may not fully understand the day-to-day requirements of managing their conditions or know crucial details like medication allergies, their complete diagnosis list, or family health history.

I’ve seen countless young adult patients frantically calling their parents from my office because they can’t answer basic questions about their health. This scrambling often happens at the worst possible moments when they’re already sick or dealing with a health crisis.

If your child takes medications, ensure they understand the names (both generic and brand names), dosages, the reason for taking the drug, and the importance of consistency. This knowledge becomes essential during emergencies or when establishing care with new clinicians. 

Teach them to keep a medication list of this information on their phone so it’s easy to access. At every medical appointment, they will ask about their medications and allergies. They should also be prepared that they might be asked to share information about their sexual health and drug or alcohol use. 

Emergency vs. Urgent Care

It’s important to teach your young adult about the difference between urgent care (for things like minor injuries, infections, or illness) and emergency care (for chest pain, serious injuries, difficulty breathing, or anyone nonresponsive). Understanding when to use each one can save money, ensure they get appropriate care, and help them help their friends, too. 

Prevention and Ongoing Care

Those 18 and older should stay current with important vaccinations, including annual flu shots to prevent seasonal influenza; the HPV vaccine series, which protects against human papillomavirus and reduces cervical cancer risk, ideally completed before age 26; meningitis vaccines to prevent serious bacterial infections common in college settings; and tetanus boosters every 10 years for wound protection. They should also get screened for sexually transmitted infections when sexually active, even if they don’t have any symptoms. Young women should begin regular Pap smears at age 21 to screen for cervical cancer and precancerous changes, regardless of sexual activity, and be informed about options for birth control, such as birth control pills, IUDs, implants, or other methods that best fit their health needs and lifestyle.

Help them set up their patient portals, understand their telemedicine options, and learn how to communicate with their clinician between visits. Not everyone realizes that anything they write in a patient portal is part of their permanent medical record.

Your Evolving Role as a Parent

Your role shifts from healthcare director to consultant. Be available for guidance while encouraging independence. Help them organize their important health documents, understand their insurance benefits, and prepare questions for appointments. Remember, this transition takes time. Some young adults will be ready to handle everything independently, while others will need more gradual support.

When you prepare your child with these tools and knowledge, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of success to advocate for the healthcare they deserve. That’s one of the most valuable things you can give them as they learn to be their own Chief Medical Officer.  

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We’re here to help. If you’ve been looking to get back into dating after a divorce or separation, there are ways to do it in a way that minimizes the drama or stress, we promise. Here’s some advice from a divorce attorney, a clinical therapist (myself), and women who have been there themselves.

Don’t date unless you are emotionally divorced

The first factor to consider is whether or not you are still emotionally tied to your previous partner, regardless of your legal status.

Two weeks after catching her husband cheating and almost immediately filing for divorce after 15 years of marriage, Dani* told me during a session that she was going on a blind date. We discussed why she was leaping into the fray. The 38-year-old said, “I need to show Jeff that other men are interested in me. It’s his loss.”

I advised her to wait before jumping into the fray. She was understandably a walking emotional wound after the shock she’d just undergone and needed time to heal and embark on self-discovery. Dani acquiesced and held off dating for a solid year.

How to judge that you are truly emotionally divorced and ready to date:

Don’t antagonize your ex

While there is no law barring you from dating while separated, you should be careful not to do anything your ex and his lawyer can use against you. Certainly consult with your divorce attorney.

Debra, 26, made what turned out to be the costly mistake of posting pictures of herself and her new boyfriend frolicking at the ocean on Facebook. She felt safe doing so because she and her soon-to-be ex Carl had long ago unfriended one another. However, the two still had many mutual acquaintances — several instantly shared the photos posted by Debra. About to sign a generous agreement, Carl reneged and ordered his lawyer to play hardball. The divorce became a protracted battle and the end result included much less favorable terms for Debra.

Other than sharing details of your dating life on any social media platform, here are other tips to adhere to:

Do date yourself

It’s crucial for you to get to know yourself as a single person, to know what you like about yourself as well as what you will look for in the future in a relationship.

After the first shock of her separation passed, Katie felt relieved. Her nine-year marriage had been bad for a long time. But being in a toxic situation for so long had negatively impacted her self-esteem. “I needed to start feeling good about myself and enjoy spending time by myself,” she said, adding, “I went for walks alone, to movies, I even took a solo vacation to Club Med. This was all healing for me.”

You’ll also want to develop a support system, or lean on the one you already have. You need good friends and family around who are on your side and can be counted on when you need a shoulder or ear.

Don’t lie to your dates

Many of us meet partners online and via apps these days and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it is wrong to lie on your profile about your marital status or mislead others about that part of your past.

Sheila’s Match.com profile listed her as “divorced.” And when the 33-year-old, who was in the midst of a divorce from her husband of eight years, met someone she liked online, it became more and more difficult to fess up and reveal that she wasn’t there yet.

“By the time I finally told him, we’d been dating a month and he was so hurt and angry that he ended it with me, saying, ‘How can I trust you?’”

Other points to be honest about:

*Names of sources have been changed to protect their privacy. 

A version of this story was published in December 2015.

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According to Endometriosis.org, 1 in 10 women have endometriosis, and 176 million people worldwide are affected by the disruptive condition. It is a serious but deeply neglected public health issue. In fact, according to a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-led study published in 2011, 11 percent of a group of women who had not been diagnosed with endometriosis actually had the disorder. If the finding applies to all women in the United States, the number of American women with endometriosis could exceed previous estimates of five million. Some studies even show that their experiences are often labeled incorrectly as a mental health issue or another physical issue, leading to patients experiencing medical gaslighting and exhausting and painful searches for doctors who will actually listen to them.

Celebrities aren’t excluded from this condition or even the pervasive issues in accessing adequate care. But, recently, as more and more people become aware of the condition’s existence and different treatment options out there, several famous faces have started speaking out about their struggles. Like with so many invisible illnesses, more advocates standing up and sharing their stories can only lead to a world where more patients are heard and supported.

A version of this story was published June 2017.